Rapid deployable weapon retention system for tactical holsters

ABSTRACT

A weapon retention mechanism for releasably holding a weapon in a holster pocket including a frame member forming at least a portion of the holster pocket, the frame member including a pair of substantially linear slots, a retention member having opposed side portions and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, each opposed side portion including a projection positioned and located so as to be cooperatively engageable with the corresponding slots associated with the frame member, the retention member being slidably moveable in a substantially linear direction between a first position wherein the retention member restricts movement of the weapon out of the holster pocket and a second position wherein the retention member does not restrict movement of the weapon out of the holster pocket, and a release member for releasably holding the retention member in its first position, the release member being moveable between a first position wherein it holds the retention member in its first position and a second position wherein it releases the retention member and allows the retention member to be moved to its second position. In a preferred embodiment, the retention member is biased towards its second position and the release member is biased towards its first position.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to holsters for handguns having aretention mechanism associated therewith for preventing unauthorizedwithdrawal of the weapon from the holster pocket and, more particularly,to an improved retention mechanism/system which allows for rapiddeployment of the weapon from the holster pocket by the user whendesired, but prevents unauthorized, accidental or inadvertent removal ofthe weapon from the holster pocket.

Inadvertent, accidental, and even unauthorized removal of a weapon froma holster is a common problem faced by law enforcement personnel,military personnel and other tactical users of holstered weapons. To beeffective, a holster must address two major concerns, namely, (1)security of the weapon at all times, and (2) allowing the authorizeduser access and means for the rapid deployment of the weapon whendesired. There is therefore a need for effectively carrying a weapon ina holster and for rapidly deploying such weapon when needed. There isalso a need to effectively prevent accidental, inadvertent, orunauthorized withdrawal of the weapon from a holster such as when theauthorized user is running, maneuvering, or otherwise engaging the enemyor an assailant.

The prior art discloses a wide variety of different mechanisms toprevent inadvertent withdrawal of a weapon from a holster, such as, awide variety of different types of restraining straps, springmechanisms, trigger guard gripping devices, thumb-break devices,pivotable strap mechanisms, custom molding of the holster to fit eachgun, and other similar devices and mechanisms. See, for example, theholster retention mechanisms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,127,566;5,199,620; 5,284,281; 5,501,381; and 5,509,591. Such known prior artconstructions for the most part are characterized by complicated andcumbersome mechanisms which are inconvenient, awkward and difficult tomanipulate and operate to achieve rapid deployment of the weapon fromthe holster, and such mechanisms can suffer from substantial wear andtear during use. Although such security devices and mechanisms aredesired in all types of holsters, including belt carried holsters,shoulder holsters, competition holsters and others, to reduce the riskof unauthorized, inadvertent, or accidental removal of the weapon fromthe holster, mechanisms which ensure higher security of the weaponwithin the holster pocket typically lead to a slower draw or slowerdeployment of the weapon whereas mechanisms which afford rapiddeployment of the weapon typically lead to a lesser amount of securityfor the holstered weapon. As such, the user is often left with anundesirable trade-off between the two necessary features, namely,security versus rapid deployment. Recognizing that the weapon is theimplement of last resort and immediate need for an authorized user, useof a weapon retention mechanism which affords both high security andrapid deployment, and which does not compromise either necessaryfeature, is highly desirable.

Thus, there is a need for a rapid deployable weapon retentionmechanism/system for holsters which both effectively incorporate highsecurity weapon retention features in a holster without inhibiting thespeed with which a user may deploy the weapon. As a result, the presentinvention is directed to a holster retention mechanism/system whichovercomes one or more of the problems set forth above and represents animprovement over the known prior art weapon retention mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitationsof the prior art devices and teaches the construction and operation of arapid deployable weapon retention mechanism/system for use with holsterswhich effectively incorporates a high security retention mechanism witha rapid release mechanism for rapid retrieval and deployment of theweapon from the holster by an authorized user. The present retentionmechanism/system, when in its secured or locked position, effectivelyblocks the withdrawal of the weapon from the holster pocket and includesa quick release mechanism for allowing access to the weapon which can beactivated by an authorized user in a single motion while the shootinghand is moving towards obtaining a firing grip on the holstered weapon.The present mechanism incorporates features that allow this economy ofmotion to be used to the advantage by the authorized user. The presentmechanism also allows for the user to re-set the retention system with asingle motion once it has been released via the quick release mechanism.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present weapon retentionmechanism includes a frame member, a retention canopy, and a releasemechanism. The frame member is the primary support element for theholstering system. The frame member's internal geometry is typicallymatched to the particular handgun or weapon that is intended to beholstered therewith in so as to best enable a secure fit while providinga smooth snag-free draw. The external portions of the frame memberfacilitate attachment to various mounting platforms such as, forexample, belt loops, leg panels, a paddle, or a belt slide so that theweapon may be transported in a plurality of different ways that bestmeet the needs of the authorized user. The present frame member alsoprovides attachment points for other components such as aninterchangeable cowling for holstering the weapon. The present framemember also serves as the main platform for the retention mechanism andit is molded to receive and support the specific components of theretention mechanism. Modularity of carry and adaptability and precisionmatching of weapon to the holster are uniquely accomplished.

The retention canopy is slidably attachable to the upper portion of theframe member and, when positioned in its locked position, covers the topportion of the holster and blocks the withdrawal of the weaponpositioned therewith in. The retention canopy is movably attachable tothe frame member via a sliding tongue and groove arrangement and via theuse of a slot and boss arrangement. The retention canopy travels betweena first locked and a second unlocked position in a substantiallyhorizontal or linear direction and is biased to its unlocked positionthrough the use of a drive spring. The boss associated with the framemember extends through the linear slot associated with one side of theretention canopy and serves as a stop member to limit the movement ofthe retention canopy as it travels back and forth between its locked andunlocked position. The boss/slot arrangement prevents the retentioncanopy from traveling past its desired stopping points associated withboth its locked and unlocked position. When in its unlocked position,the weapon housed within the holster can be easily and rapidly withdrawnand deployed from the holster pocket for use.

The present retention mechanism also includes a release mechanism in theform of a thumb trigger member which is positioned and located adjacentthe retention canopy so as to be activated during the natural movementof the hand of the authorized shooter while the shooter is moving todraw the weapon out of the holster. The release mechanism integratesseveral components into a single movable member which includes the thumbbutton, the track for the canopy drive spring, and a projection ortrigger pawl for engaging a corresponding notch associated with theretention canopy. A torsion spring mounts to the frame member andapplies a biasing pressure against the release mechanism so as tomaintain the projection or trigger pawl in engagement with the canopynotch when the retention canopy is positioned in its locked position.Thumb pressure applied against the thumb button of the release mechanismmoves the trigger pawl out of engagement with the canopy slot therebyallowing the retention canopy to rapidly move from its locked positionto its unlocked position via the canopy drive spring. When thumbpressure is removed from the thumb button of the release mechanism, therelease mechanism is again biased by its torsion spring towards itsundepressed upward position. When the retention canopy is again slidablymoved into its locked position, the trigger pawl will be engaged withthe canopy slot and the biasing force exerted by the torsion springagainst the release mechanism will hold the trigger pawl in engagementwith the canopy slot as previously explained.

When the retention canopy is moved into its locked position, theretention canopy bridges the side walls of the holster across the topportion thereof and actually wraps around the top, sides and front ofthe top portion of the holstered weapon thereby preventing the holsteredweapon from being withdrawn from the holster pocket. The presentretention canopy also provides additional protection to the weapon fromthe elements and prevents dirt and dust from coming into contact withvital areas of the firearm. Upon activation of the release mechanism,the retention canopy, under the power of the canopy drive spring, isautomatically and rapidly moved or snapped forward in a linear motionfrom its locked position to its unlocked position, thereby clearing thepath of the weapon for removal from the holster pocket. The releasemechanism through engagement of the trigger pawl with the notchassociated with the retention canopy prevents movement of the retentioncanopy out of its locked position until the thumb button of the releasemechanism is pressed downwardly by the user's thumb to release the pawland to allow the retention canopy to move forward in a linear motionaway from the holstered weapon. As a result, the present weaponretention system provides high security when the retention canopy is inits locked position and likewise allows for rapid retrieval anddeployment of the weapon by the authorized user when the retentioncanopy is moved to its unlocked position.

In another aspect of the present invention, the present weapon retentionmechanism may likewise include a side cap member which reinforces andholds the retention canopy to the off-side of the frame member oppositethe release mechanism so as to further ensure that the retention canopyremains attached to that side of the frame member. The side cap memberalso aids in limiting movement of the retention canopy and prevents theretention canopy from over travel in both directions.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present weapon retentionsystem will become apparent to those skilled in the art afterconsidering the following detailed description in connection with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may bemade to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present weapon retention mechanismwithout the interchangeable cowling member showing the retention canopyin its locked position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the retentioncanopy in its unlocked forward position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the weapon retention mechanismillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 including the interchangeable cowlingmember.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the frame member associated withthe present weapon retention mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view of the frame member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the retention canopy associated with theweapon retention mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 7 is left side elevational view of the retention canopy of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the retention canopy of FIG.6.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the retention canopy of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view looking at the interior portionof the trigger release member associated with the weapon retentionmechanism of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational view of the present weaponretention mechanism showing the retention canopy in its locked positionand looking through the trigger release member and showing the springmembers associated with the retention canopy and the trigger releasemember.

FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of a side cap member which maybe used to further hold the retention canopy to the opposite side of theframe member.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the present weaponretention mechanism fully assembled, FIG. 13 showing the retentioncanopy in its locked position, and FIG. 14 showing the retention canopyin its unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers whereinlike numerals refer to like parts, the number 10 in FIGS. 1-3, 13 and 14identifies one embodiment of a rapid deployable weapon retentionmechanism constructed according to the teachings of the presentinvention. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the present weapon retentionmechanism includes a frame member 12, a retention canopy 14, a thumbtrigger release mechanism 16, an optional side cap member 18, and acowling member 20. The weapon retention mechanism 10 can be constructedso as to be compatible for receiving any type of weapon and forattaching to any suitable holster cowling. Although the specific weaponretention mechanism 10 discussed herein is directed to a specificconfiguration associated with typical tactical weapons and theirassociated cowlings, it is recognized and anticipated that the presentweapon retention mechanism 10 can be utilized with any type of holsteredweapon and with any type of holster cowling or other holster pocketconfiguration including belt carried holsters, shoulder holsters, andthe like. It is also recognized and anticipated that the present weaponretention mechanism 10 can be fashioned into a variety of differentsizes and shapes other than those illustrated herein and that variouscomponents associated with the present assembly such as the members 12,14, 16, 18 and 20 may likewise be correspondingly sized and shaped toconform to the particular size and shape of the particular weapon thatis intended to be holstered therewith in without departing from theteachings and practice of the present invention.

The weapon retention mechanism 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 includes aframe member 12 which functions as the primary support member for theholstering system. The internal geometry of the frame member 12 ismatched to the particular weapon that is intended to be holstered andthe internal slot or opening 22 associated therewith is sized and shapedto the barrel of the weapon so as to enable a secure fit of the weapontherewith in while likewise providing a smooth snag free withdrawal ofthe weapon from the internal slot or opening 22 when necessary. As willbe hereinafter further explained, the interchangeable cowling member 20is likewise specifically configured to match the particular weapon thatis intended to be holstered therewith in and forms the sides of theoverall holster. The opening 22 of frame member 12 in combination withthe opening associated with the cowling member 20 form the cavity of theholster or the holster pocket for receiving and holding the weapon to beholstered therewith in. External portions of the frame member 12 aresized and configured so as to facilitate attachment of the frame memberto various mounting platforms such as belt loops, leg panels, a paddle,or a belt slide so that the weapon holstered therewith in may betransported in a wide variety of different ways that best meets thatneeds of the authorized user. For example, the attachment bracket 24 andits associated openings 26 can be designed, positioned and located so asto be compatible for attachment to a particular mounting platform.Attachment projection 28 can likewise be positioned and located toaccomplish this task. In addition, the external portions of the framemember 12 also include a plurality of attachment points 30 which aresized, shaped and positioned for mating with corresponding openingsassociated with the interchangeable cowling member 20 for attaching thecowling member to the frame member. In this regard, attachment of thecowling member 20 to the frame member 12 as well as attachment of theframe member 12 to a suitable mounting platform can be accomplished in aconventional manner such as using conventional screws, rivets, and otherappropriate fastening members.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the upper portion of the framemember 12 also serves as the main platform for the present retentionmechanism and such upper portion is molded to receive and support thespecific components of the present system. In this regard, the framemember 12 includes a pair of opposed, but offset grooves or slots 32 and34 (FIG. 4) which are adaptable for receiving a pair of correspondingprojections or tongues 36 and 38 associated with the retention canopy 14as will be hereinafter further explained. The slots 32 and 34, whenengaged with the corresponding projections 36 and 38 of the retentioncanopy 14, allow the retention canopy to move in a substantiallystraight, linear motion between its locked and unlocked position. Theframe member 12 likewise includes a projection or boss 40 for matingwith a slot 42 associated with the retention canopy 14 for likewisecontrolling the linear movement of the retention canopy 14 as it travelsback and forth between its locked and unlocked positions as will behereinafter further explained. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,when the retention canopy 14 is engaged with the upper portion of theframe member 12, the projections or tongues 36 and 38 engage andslidably move within the slots 32 and 34 and the boss or projection 40extends through the slot 42.

Still further, the upper portion of frame member 12 likewise includes asecond boss or projection 44 which is sized and shaped so as tocooperatively receive a circular portion 48 associated with torsionspring member 46 as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11. Frame member 12likewise includes indentations, channels, or other suitable means suchas the indentations 54 and 56 as best illustrated in FIG. 5 forcooperatively receiving the extension arms 50 and 52 associated withspring member 46. In this regard, the spring member 46 mounts to theframe member 12 via the boss 44 and the indentations 54 and 56 as bestillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11 and biases the trigger release member 16towards its upward or undepressed position. The spring member 46 alsomaintains the retention canopy 14 in its locked position as willlikewise be further explained. When mounted to the frame member 12, thetorsion spring member 46 lies substantially flush with or is positionedbelow the exterior surface of that portion of the frame member 12 wherespring member 46 attaches thereto.

The retention canopy 14 is somewhat U-shaped in overall configuration asbest illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and includes opposed side portions 58 and60 and an intermediate bridging portion 62 which extends therebetween.Canopy side portion 58 includes tongue or projection 36 forcooperatively engaging slot 32 associated with frame member 12 and sideportion 60 includes tongue or projection 38 which likewise cooperativelyengages slot 34 associated with frame member 12. The size and shape ofthe corresponding projections 36 and 38 and slots 32 and 34 can varydepending upon the particular application and the materials ofconstruction utilized and are specifically designed for longevity towithstand normal wear and tear during use. As best illustrated in FIGS.3 and 6, intermediate canopy portion 62 is of a sizable dimension so asto more than substantially cover the top portion of the holster pocketand the particular weapon positioned therewithin. The canopy portion 62covers the top of the holster pocket and blocks the withdrawal of theweapon positioned therewith in when the retention canopy 14 is moved toits locked position. In this regard, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2, the slot 42 associated with side portion 58 and the boss 40 extendingtherethrough controls the extent of linear travel of the retentioncanopy 14 between its locked and unlocked position.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the retention canopy 14 is in its first lockedposition when it is moved rearward with respect to the front portion ofthe frame member 12 and the canopy portion 62 covers the top of theholster pocket. The retention canopy 14 is maintained in its first orlocked position through the use of a pawl and notch arrangement such asthe pawl or projection 64 associated with the interior surface of thetrigger release member 16 (FIG. 10) and the notch 66 associated withside portion 58 of the retention canopy 14. When the retention canopy 14is moved to its first or rearward most position as illustrated in FIG.1, the pawl or projection 64 engages the notch 66 and the canopy drivespring 68 as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11 maintains the retentioncanopy 14 in its first or locked position as will be hereinafter furtherexplained. Also, when the retention canopy 14 is in its locked position,the projection 40 acts as a stop member and abuts the forward endportion of slot 42 as best illustrated in FIG. 1 when the retentioncanopy 14 is in its locked position.

Side portion 58 of retention canopy 14 also includes a projection orstud member 70 located towards the rear portion of the canopy sideportion 58 and functions to attach one end portion of the canopy drivespring member 68 thereto. The opposite end portion of spring member 68is attached to the lower front portion of the thumb release member 16 aswell be hereinafter explained. When the retention canopy 14 is movedinto its locked position, spring member 68 is extended and provides abiasing force to quickly move the retention canopy 14 out of its lockedposition when the pawl or projection 64 is disengaged from the notch 66.In its locked position, the retention canopy 14 wraps around the top,sides, and front portion of the top portion of the holstered weaponthereby preventing the inadvertent, accidental, and/or unauthorizedwithdrawal of the weapon from the holster pocket. In addition, becausethe intermediate canopy portion 62 in conjunction with side portions 58and 60 form a substantially closed member on three sides thereof whenthe retention canopy 14 is moved to its locked position as bestillustrated in FIG. 1, this construction provides additional protectionto the holstered weapon from the elements and likewise prevents dirt anddust from coming into direct contact with the vital areas of the weapon.Still further, if the holstered weapon has a night sight installedthereon, the night sight will typically glow in the dark. Traditionalholster retention straps do not cover these glowing sights sufficientlyto keep them from being seen in the dark by potential hostiles. Thepresent retention canopy construction completely covers that portion ofthe holstered weapon where a night sight would be installed andeffectively blocks the light emitted therefrom. The retention canopy 14may likewise include an indentation 72 associated with the rear portionof the intermediate canopy portion 62 for providing additional clearancewhen deploying and removing the weapon from the holster.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, when the retention canopy 14 is moved toits second or unlocked position, the boss or projection 40 now abuts orengages the rear portion of slot 42 thereby acting as a stop member toagain limit the travel or movement of the retention canopy 14 on theframe member 12. The length of slot 42 in combination with projection orboss 40 therefore controls the total linear motion of retention canopy14 between its first or locked and its second or unlocked positions.This arrangement likewise prevents the retention canopy 14 from beingseparated, in either direction, from frame member 12.

FIG. 10 illustrates the interior side wall portion of the thumb triggerrelease member 16 which is mounted to the frame member 12 through theopenings associated with projections or bosses 40 and 44. The triggerrelease member 16 is attached to frame member 12 after the retentioncanopy 14 is properly engaged with the slots 32 and 34. The triggerrelease member 16 is positioned so as to be activated during the naturalhand movement of the shooter while the shooter is moving to draw theweapon from the holster. In this regard, the top portion of the releasemember 16 is ergonomically shaped to receive the thumb of an authorizeduser as at thumb button 74 (FIGS. 3 and 11). Release member 16 includesslots 76 and 78 which are positioned and located so as to respectivelyreceive the bosses 40 and 44 associated with frame member 12. Hereagain, the overall length of the slots 76 and 78 controls the extent ofmovement of the trigger release member 16 as will be hereinafter furtherexplained. Release member 16 likewise includes an extension member 80 inthe vicinity of slot 78 which is shaped and dimensioned to as tocorrespond to the opening or channel 82 associated with frame member 12.When the trigger release member 16 is engaged with the frame member 12,the extension member or tongue 80 extends through the opening or slot 82and remains therewith in during all travel or movement of the triggerrelease member 16 thereby controlling the direction of movement of therelease member 16 as well as providing additional strength and stabilityto the attachment of the release member 16 to frame member 12. Extensionmember 80 in conjunction with the boss/slot arrangements 40/76 and 44/78likewise function to prevent rotational movement of the trigger releasemember 16 when it is attached to the frame member 12. Connection ofrelease member 16 to frame member 12 can be accomplished usingconventional fastening means.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the interior side wall portion ofrelease member 16 includes a channel 84 for housing the canopy drivespring 68 when the release member 16 is attached to the frame member 12.The channel 84 includes a bend at 86 and the lower front portion of therelease member 16 includes a projection, pin, or stud member 88 locatedwithin the channel 84 for attaching one end portion of the canopy drivespring 68 thereto. The pin member 88 can be positioned at anyorientation within the channel 84 such as perpendicular or transversethereto. The channel 84 within release member 16 serves as a housing forthe canopy drive spring 68 as best illustrated in FIG. 11 . In thisregard, since the opposite end portion of the canopy drive spring 68 isattached to the projection or stud 70 associated with the retentioncanopy 14, it is important to note that the stud 70 is positioned andlocated on side portion 58 of the retention canopy 14 so as to travelwithin the upper channel portion 90 associated with channel 84 whichextends along a path substantially parallel to the direction of travelof the retention canopy 14. As a result, when release member 16 isattached to frame member 12 with the retention canopy 14 positionedtherebetween, the projection or stud 70 will move within the channelportion 90 of channel 84. The bend 86 in channel 84 also serves toextend the canopy drive spring 68 in a path substantially parallel withthe slots 32 and 34 of frame member 12 and substantially parallel to thelinear movement of the retention canopy 14 between its locked andunlocked position. When the retention canopy 14 is in its second orunlocked position as illustrated in FIG. 2, the canopy drive spring 68is substantially collapsed and unextended. In this position, the canopydrive spring 68 can be provided with sufficient tension to hold theretention canopy 14 in its unlocked position without movement. As theretention canopy 14 is moved linearly in a direction towards the rear ofthe frame member 12, the drive spring member 68 is extended along theupper channel portion 90 of channel 84 as best illustrated in FIG. 11.

Also, importantly, the interior side wall portion of release member 16as best illustrated in FIG. 10 likewise includes a projection or pawl 64which is positioned and located so as to engage the notch 66 associatedwith the retention canopy 14 when the retention canopy 14 reaches itscovered and locked position. In this locked position, the canopy drivespring 68 is extended and is exerting a biasing return force to theretention canopy 14 such that when the pawl 64 is removed from notch 66,spring member 68 will rapidly move retention canopy 14 from its lockedposition as illustrated in FIG. 1 to its unlocked position asillustrated in FIG. 2.

The retention canopy is maintained in its locked position because thetorsion spring member 46 applies a biasing force or pressure against thetrigger release member 16 when the pawl 64 is engaged with the notch 66.This is accomplished by having the arm portion 52 of spring member 46engage a projection, pin or stud member 92 associated with the lowerbottom portion of the release member 16 as best illustrated in FIG. 10.As illustrated in FIG. 11, when arm portion 52 of spring member 46 isengaged with the stud or projection 92, the trigger release member 16 isforced upward and biased towards its uppermost undepressed or firstposition. This biasing force from spring member 68 holds the pawl 64 inengagement with the notch 66. When the trigger release member 16 isdepressed and pushed downward by the thumb of an authorized user to asecond position, the arm portion 52 of spring member 46 is likewisemoved downwardly through an interaction with projection or stud member92 and the pawl member 64 associated with release member 16 is likewisemoved downwardly out of engagement with notch 66 associated with theretention canopy side wall portion 58. When pawl 64 is moved out ofengagement with notch 66, the canopy drive spring member 66 willimmediately and rapidly move retention canopy 14 out of its lockedposition and into its unlocked position as previously explained. As soonas the user's thumb pressure is removed from release member 16, armportion 52 of spring member 46 will immediately apply a biasing force orpressure against projection or stud member 92 which, in turn, willimmediately move the trigger release member 16 out of its secondposition and to its upward most undepressed first position. With theretention canopy 14 in its unlocked position as illustrated in FIG. 2,the pawl 64 will be positioned and located adjacent the bottom edgeportion 94 of canopy side portion 58 until the retention canopy 14 isagain moved into its locked position. The length of the correspondingslots 76 and/or 78 control the total movement of the trigger releasemember 16 between its first undepressed or static position and itssecond depressed position. In this regard, this movement must besufficient so as to allow the pawl 64 to move out of engagement with thenotch 66.

An optional side cap member such as the member 18 illustrated in FIGS. 3and 12 can likewise be utilized in conjunction with the present weaponretention mechanism for providing additional stability and reinforcementto the retention canopy 14 on the opposite side thereof. As bestillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 12, the side cap member 18 includes aplurality of openings 94 for attaching to the opposite side portion offrame member 12. In this regard, frame member 12 includes correspondingopenings (not shown) for cooperatively receiving any suitable type offastening means for attaching the side cap member 18 to the oppositeside portion of frame member 12. When so attached, at least a portion ofthe side cap member 18 extends over or overlaps at least a portion ofcanopy side portion 60. In addition, as best illustrated in FIG. 12, theinterior side wall portion of member 18 includes an elongated cavity orblind channel 96 for cooperatively receiving a projection or stud member98 associated with canopy side portion 60 as best illustrated in FIGS.7-9. Projection or stud member 98 is again positioned and located so asto travel within the elongated cavity 96 as retention canopy 14 movesbetween its locked and unlocked position. In this regard, the length ofthe elongated cavity 96 can likewise be dimensioned so as to correspondwith the full travel of retention canopy 14 between its locked andunlocked position and the projection or stud member 98 associated withcanopy side wall portion 60 can likewise function as a stop memberabutting and engaging the opposite end portions of cavity 96 when theretention canopy 14 reaches its locked and unlocked positions. Side capmember 18 therefore reinforces and helps to hold the retention canopy 14to the off-side or opposite side of the frame member 12 and likewisehelps to ensure that the tongue or projection 38 remains engaged withits corresponding slot 34 on the opposite side or off-side of framemember 12.

It should be recognized that the side cap member 18 is optional and thatthe present invention will function and operate without the use ofmember 18. In this regard, the primary objects of the present inventionare achieved through the assembly and interconnection of the framemember 12, the retention canopy 14, the trigger release member 16, andthe biasing means 46 and 68 associated therewith.

The cowling member 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 13 and 14 attaches to theframe member 12 as previously explained and allows the present weaponretention mechanism to achieve maximum versatility in that the cowlingmember 20 can be specifically sized and shaped to accommodate theparticular weapon to be holstered within the present mechanism,including weapons having a light source attached thereto. As theholstered weapon changes, the structure and configuration of the members12, 14 and 16 should remain compatible with most tactical weapons to beutilized with the present invention and only the cowling member 20 needbe changed to accommodate substantial variations in weapon configurationsuch as attaching a light source or gun light to the weapon. Since thecowling member 20 is easily attachably removable and interchangeablewith the frame member 12, matching the cowling member to the weapon orto the weapon/light source combination and thereafter attaching theproper cowling member 20 to the frame member 12 will always provide aproper and secure fit for the particular weapon/weapon configurationintended to be holstered within the present mechanism. In theillustrated embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the frame member 12 and thecowling member 20, in combination, form the holster pocket.

In operation, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the retentioncanopy 14 and trigger release member 16 are assembled and attached tothe frame member, the retention canopy 14 is biased to its unlockedposition as best illustrated in FIG. 14 via the canopy drive springmember 68. In similar fashion, the trigger release member 16 is biasedto its upward most and undepressed position via spring member 46. As theretention canopy 14 is moved towards its locked position (FIG. 13), thecanopy drive spring member 68 is extended and the retention canopy willcontinue to move rearwardly so as to cover the open top portion of theholster pocket and so as to block withdrawal of the holstered weaponpositioned therewith in until the pawl 64 associated with the triggerrelease member 16 is moved into engagement with the notch 66 associatedwith the retention canopy 14. When this engagement occurs, the torsionspring member 46 will continue to hold the pawl 64 in engagement withthe notch 66 and will continue to offer resistance when the triggerrelease member 16 is depressed. In its locked position, the retentioncanopy 14 prevents withdrawal of the holstered weapon. Removal of theweapon from the holster pocket requires the authorized user to exert adownward pressure against the trigger release member 16 at thumb button74 so as to push the pawl 64 out of engagement with the notch 66. Thisdownward pressure is achieved during the natural movement of the user'shand and arm as the user's hand is moving towards the weapon to withdrawthe weapon from the holster. In this single motion, the user's thumbengages the release member 16 at 74 and depresses the release member 16downwardly to disengage the pawl 64 from the notch 66 in the same motionas the user is gripping the weapon to withdraw the same. As the pawl 64is disengaged from the notch 66, the retention canopy 14 isautomatically released from its locked position and, under the power ofthe canopy drive spring 68, snaps forward in a rapid linear motion touncover the holstered weapon. This allows the authorized user to rapidlydeploy the holstered weapon from the holster pocket during the naturalmovement involved in a rapid draw of the weapon. The economy of motionnecessary in the operation of the present mechanism 10 enables fasterspeed in acquiring the weapon while at the same time provides maximumsecurity for the weapon. Once the pawl 64 is disengaged from the notch66 and the retention canopy 14 is moved to its unlocked position, andthumb pressure is removed from the release member 16, the torsion springmember 46 will again bias the release member 16 to its upwardundepressed condition. In addition, the retention canopy 14 is fullyextended forward of the frame member as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and14 and the holster pocket is clear so that the holstered weapon an beeasily removed.

Although the holster pocket, weapon receiving cavity, or other enclosurefor receiving and holding a weapon is disclosed herein as being formedby both the frame member 12 and the cowling member 20, it is recognizedand anticipated that the holster pocket can likewise be formed by asingle member, or by any plurality of members other than the framemember 12 and cowling member 20. It is also recognized and anticipatedthat either the frame member 12 or the cowling member 20 could be shapedand dimensioned to form the single member which houses the holsterpocket. Still further, it is also recognized and anticipated that theboss 40 and the slot 42 could be eliminated and the means for limitingthe travel of the retention member 14 between its first and secondpositions could simply include the projection 98 traveling within thecavity or blind channel 96 associated with side cap member 18. Stillother variations and combinations of the various members disclosedherein including integrally forming many of the above-referenced membersinto a single member is also anticipated and recognized.

It is also recognized that the movement of the retention canopy 14between its locked and unlocked positions is substantially linear at alltimes. This substantially straight-line motion of the retention canopy14 facilitates a more rapid deployable retention system; it reduces wearand tear on the components involved; it is more efficient than the knownpivotable strap mechanisms; and it provides greater protection to theholstered weapon when the retention canopy 14 is in its locked position.Still further, although the present mechanism has been described using aparticular construction associated with the retention canopy 14, thetrigger release member 16, the frame member 12, and the biasing means 46and 68, it is recognized that the overall dimensions of the presentassembly as well as the specific shape and configuration of the variousmembers associated therewith such as the members 12, 14, 16, 46 and 68are all subject to wide variations and may be sized and shaped into avariety of different sizes and configurations so as to be compatiblewith the particular weapon to be holstered therewith in, and that suchmembers can be differently configured but still achieve thesubstantially linear motion of the retention canopy 14 as it travelsbetween its locked and unlocked position. All such changes andmodifications can be accomplished without impairing the teachings andpractice of the present invention.

The present invention lies primarily in a construction which allows theretention canopy or other similar or equivalent retention members tomove between its locked and unlocked position in a substantially linearmotion. This means that the slots, grooves or channels 32 and 34, theircorresponding tongues or projections 36 and 38, the bosses 40 and 44,the slot 42, the pawl 64, the notch 66, the slots or openings 72 and 78,the extension member 80, the channel member 84, and the studs orprojection members 70, 88, 92 and 98 can be eliminated, redesigned,reconfigured, and/or replaced with other structures so long as theretention canopy 14 operates and travels in a substantially lineardirection as explained above. Other variations and modifications to thevarious components comprising the present structures are alsocontemplated.

In this regard, an alternative embodiment of the present weaponretention mechanism 10 may include a completely manually operatedretention canopy 14. In this particular embodiment, the canopy drivespring or biasing member 68 can be eliminated and the retention canopy14 can be manually moved from its locked position to its unlockedposition when the trigger release member 16 is depressed and moved in adownward direction. In all other respects, the construction of theretention canopy 14 as well as the construction and operation of thetrigger release member 16 as previously described. For example, in thisembodiment, the retention canopy 14 still would be maintained in itsfirst or locked position through the use of the pawl 64 and notch 66arrangement previously described including the biasing force or pressureexerted against the trigger release member 16 by the torsion springmember 66. When the trigger release member 16 is depressed and pusheddownwardly by the thumb of an authorized user to its second position,the pawl 64 is again moved out of engagement with the correspondingnotch 66. Since the canopy drive spring member 66 has been eliminated,the retention canopy 14 will not move out of its locked position unlessmanually moved by the authorized user. As a result, for certainapplications, manual movement of the retention canopy 14 is desirableand can be easily accomplished by holding the trigger release member 16in its depressed position and simultaneously moving the retention canopyforward to its second or unlocked position. As soon as the user's thumbpressure is removed from the trigger release member 16, spring member 46will immediately apply a biasing force or pressure against theprojection or stud member 92 which, in turn, will immediately move thetrigger release member 16 out of its second position and back to itsundepressed first position. When the retention canopy 14 is again movedto its first or locked position, it will again be maintained in thatposition through the pawl 64 and notch 66 arrangements as well as by thebiasing force exerted against trigger release member 16. In order tofacilitate the manual movement of the retention canopy 14 from itslocked to its unlocked position, the retention canopy 14 may include aflange or other member associated therewith positioned and located foreasy engagement by the thumb or hand of an authorized user in acoordinated motion while the shooting hand is simultaneously depressingthe trigger release member 16 and moving towards obtaining a firing gripon the holstered weapon. It is recognized and anticipated that othervariations and modifications to the construction for manually operatingthe retention canopy 14 are also contemplated.

Thus, there has been shown and described one aspect of a rapiddeployable retention mechanism for use with tactical holsters whichfulfills the objects and advantages sought therefore. Many changes,modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the presentweapon retention mechanism will, however, become apparent to thoseskilled in the art after considering this specification and theaccompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations andother uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention whichis limited only by the claims which follow.

1. A weapon retention mechanism for releasably holding a weapon in aholster pocket comprising: a frame member forming at least a portion ofthe holster pocket, said frame member including a pair of substantiallylinear slots; a retention member having opposed side portions and anintermediate portion extending therebetween, each opposed side portionincluding a tongue member positioned and located so as to becooperatively engageable with the corresponding slots associated withsaid frame member, said retention member being slidably movable withinsaid slots in a substantially linear direction between a first positionwherein said intermediate portion restricts movement of the weapon outof the holster pocket and a second position wherein said intermediateportion does not restrict movement of the weapon out of the holsterpocket; a release member for releasably holding the retention member inits first position, said release member being movable between a firstposition wherein said release member holds said retention member in itsfirst position and restricts movement of said retention member to itssecond position and a second position wherein said release memberreleases said retention member and allows said retention member to moveto its second position; first biasing means biasing said retentionmember towards its second position; and second biasing means biasingsaid release member towards its first position.
 2. The weapon retentionmechanism of claim 1 wherein said release member is engageable with saidframe member.
 3. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidfirst biasing means includes a spring member having one end portionattached to said retention member and having its opposite end portionattached to said release member.
 4. The weapon retention mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein said second biasing means includes a spring memberattached to said frame member and having at least a portion thereofengageable with said release member.
 5. The weapon retention mechanismof claim 1 wherein said release member includes a pawl and saidretention member includes a notch, said pawl being engageable with saidnotch when said retention member is in its first position, theengagement of said pawl with said notch holding said retention member inits first position.
 6. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 1including means for further controlling the linear movement of saidretention member between its first and second positions.
 7. The weaponretention mechanism of claim 6 wherein said means includes a bossassociated with said frame member and a slot associated with saidretention member, said boss being engageable with said slot forcontrolling the linear movement of said retention member.
 8. The weaponretention mechanism of claim 1 wherein said release member is positionedand located so as to be engageable by the thumb of a user during thenatural hand movement of the user as the user is moving his/her hand todraw the weapon from the holster pocket.
 9. The weapon retentionmechanism of claim 1 including a cowling member attachable to said framemember, said cowling member and said frame member forming the holsterpocket.
 10. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 1 including meansfor controlling the travel of said release member between its first andsecond positions.
 11. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 10 whereinsaid means includes at least one boss associated with said frame memberand at least one slot associated with said release member, said at leastone boss being engageable with said at least one slot for controllingthe travel of said release member.
 12. The weapon retention mechanism ofclaim 1 including a side cap member engageable with said frame member,said side cap member being positioned and located so as to extend overat least a portion of one side portion of said retention member as saidretention member moves between its first and second positions.
 13. Aweapon retention mechanism for releasably holding a weapon in a holsterpocket comprising: a frame member forming at least a portion of theholster pocket, said frame member having an upper portion with opposedside portions, each opposed side portion having a substantially lineargroove associated therewith; a retention member having opposed sideportions and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, eachopposed side portion including a projection positioned and located forslidably engaging the corresponding groove associated with each sideportion of said frame member, said retention member being movable in asubstantially linear direction between a first position wherein saidintermediate portion restricts movement of the weapon out of the holsterpocket and a second position wherein said intermediate portion isforward of the holster pocket and does not restrict movement of theweapon out of the holster pocket; a release member attachable to saidframe member for releasably holding the retention member in its firstposition, said release member being positioned and located so as to beengageable by the thumb of a shooter during the natural hand movement ofthe shooter to draw the weapon from the holster pocket, said releasemember being movable between a first position wherein said releasemember holds said retention member in its first position and a secondposition where said release member releases said retention member andallows said retention member to move to its second position; a firstbiasing member engageable with said frame member and said release memberfor biasing said release member towards its first position; and a secondbiasing member engageable with said retention member and said releasemember for biasing said retention member towards its second position.14. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 13 wherein said releasemember includes a projection and said retention member includes a notchassociated with one side portion thereof, said projection beingengageable with said notch when said retention member is in its firstposition.
 15. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 13 wherein saidframe member includes a boss and said retention member includes a slotassociated with one side portion thereof, said boss extending throughsaid slot, the length of said slot limiting the linear movement of saidretention member between its first and second positions.
 16. The weaponretention mechanism of claim 13 wherein said frame member includes atleast one boss and said release member includes at least one slot, saidat least one boss extending through said at least one slot for limitingthe movement of said release member between its first and secondpositions.
 17. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 13 including acowling member removably attachable to said frame member, said cowlingmember and said frame member forming the holster pocket.
 18. The weaponretention mechanism of claim 13 wherein said release member includes achannel for at least partially housing said second biasing member. 19.The weapon retention mechanism of claim 13 wherein said frame memberincludes portions for facilitating attachment of the frame member to amounting platform.
 20. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 13including a side cap member engageable with said frame member, said sidecap member having a portion thereof extending over at least a portion ofone side portion of said retention member when said retention membermoves between its first and second positions.
 21. The weapon retentionmechanism of claim 20 wherein said side cap member includes a channeland said one side portion of said retention member includes aprojection, said projection being engageable with said channel as saidretention member moves between its first and second positions.
 22. Aweapon retention mechanism for releasably holding a weapon in a holsterpocket comprising: a frame member forming at least a portion of theholster pocket, said frame member including a pair of substantiallystraight spaced apart slots; a substantially U-shaped retention memberhaving opposed side portions and an intermediate canopy portionextending therebetween, each side portion including a projection forslidably engaging the corresponding slots associated with said framemember, said retention member being movable in a substantially straightdirection between a locked position wherein said intermediate canopyportion restricts movement of the weapon out of the holster pocket andan unlocked position wherein said intermediate canopy portion does notrestrict movement of the weapon out of the holster pocket, one sideportion of said retention member including a notch; a thumb releasemember attachable to said frame member for releasably holding saidretention member in its locked position, said release member beingmovable between an undepressed position wherein said release memberholds said retention member in its locked position and a depressedposition wherein said release member releases said retention member andallows said retention member to move to its unlocked position, saidrelease member including a projection which is engageable with the notchassociated with said retention member when said retention member is inits locked position, the engagement of said projection with said notchholding said retention member in its locked position; a first springmember attachable to said frame member and applying a biasing forceagainst said release member for biasing said release member towards itsundepressed position; and a second spring member having one end portionattached to said release member and having its opposite end portionattached to said retention member for applying a biasing force againstsaid retention member for biasing said retention member towards itsunlocked position; and means for limiting the travel of said retentionmember between its locked and unlocked positions.
 23. The weaponretention mechanism of claim 22 wherein said means limiting the travelof said retention member between its locked and unlocked positionsincludes a slot associated with one side portion of said retentionmember and a projection member associated with said frame member, saidprojection member extending through said slot and abutting the opposedend portions of said slot when said retention member reaches its lockedand unlocked positions thereby functioning as a stop member to limit thetravel of said retention member.
 24. The weapon retention mechanism ofclaim 22 wherein said means for limiting the travel of said retentionmember between its locked and unlocked positions includes a side capmember engageable with said frame member, said side cap member having atleast a portion thereof extending over at least a portion of one sideportion of one said retention member as said retention member movesbetween its locked and unlocked positions, said side cap member having achannel associated therewith and said one side portion of said retentionmember having a projection associated therewith, said projectiontraveling within said channel as said retention member moves between itslocked and unlocked position, said projection abutting the opposed endportions of said channel when said retention member reaches its lockedand unlocked positions thereby functioning as a stop member to limit thetravel of said retention member.
 25. A holster for a weapon comprising:at least one member forming a holster pocket for receiving and holding aweapon, said at least one member having opposed side portions, eachopposed side portion having a substantially linear groove associatedtherewith, said at least one member further including at least oneprojection member; a substantially U-shaped canopy member having opposedside portions and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, eachopposed side portion including a tongue member positioned and locatedfor cooperatively engaging the corresponding grooves associated withsaid at least one member, said canopy member being slidably movablewithin said grooves between a locked position wherein said intermediateportion covers a portion of said holster pocket and restricts movementof the weapon out of said holster pocket and an unlocked positionwherein said intermediate portion is forward of said holster pocket anddoes not restrict movement of the weapon out of said holster pocket,said canopy member further including an elongated slot associated withone side portion thereof and a notch associated with one side portionthereof; a release member operable by a user's thumb and attachable tosaid frame member for releasably holding the canopy member in its lockedposition, said release member having a pawl associated therewith whichis engageable with the notch associated with said canopy member whensaid canopy member is in its locked position for holding said canopymember in its locked position, said release member being biased to holdsaid canopy member in its locked position and being movable to releasesaid pawl from said notch thereby allowing said canopy member to move toits unlocked position, said release member further including a channeland at least one slot; a first biasing member for biasing said releasemember to hold said canopy member in its locked position; a secondbiasing member biasing said canopy member towards its unlocked position,said second biasing member rapidly moving said canopy member from itslocked position to its unlocked position when said release member ismoved to release said pawl from said notch, said first biasing memberbeing at least partially insertible within the channel associated withsaid release member; at least one boss associated with said at least onemember extending through the slot associated with said canopy member fordefining the extent of travel of said canopy member between its lockedand unlocked positions; said at least one boss associated with said atleast one member extending through the slot associated with said releasemember for defining the extent of travel of said release member from itsposition where said pawl is engaged with said notch to a position wheresaid pawl is disengaged with said notch.
 26. The holster of claim 25wherein said at least one member forming said holster pocket includes aframe member and a cowling member attached to said frame member, saidframe member and said cowling member forming said holster pocket. 27.The holster of claim 25 wherein said release member is attachable tosaid at least one member and overlaps one side portion of said canopymember.
 28. The holster of claim 27 wherein said second biasing memberincludes a spring member having opposed end portions and the one sideportion of said canopy member which is overlapped by said release memberincludes a projection, one end portion of said spring member beingattached to said release member and the opposite end portion of saidspring member being attached to the projection associated with saidcanopy member, said projection traveling within at least a portion ofthe channel associated with said release member when said canopy membermoves between its locked and unlocked positions.
 29. The holster ofclaim 27 including a side cap member engageable with said at least onemember forming the holster pocket, said side cap member being positionedand located so as to extend over at least a portion of one side portionof said canopy member as said canopy member moves between its locked andunlocked positions.
 30. The holster of claim 29 wherein said side capmember includes a channel and said one side portion of said canopymember includes a projection, said projection traveling within saidchannel as said canopy member moves between its locked and unlockedpositions.
 31. A weapon retention mechanism for releasably holding aweapon in a holster pocket comprising: a frame member forming at least aportion of the holster pocket, said frame member including a pair ofsubstantially linear slots; a retention member having opposed sideportions and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, eachopposed side portion including a tongue member positioned and located soas to be cooperatively engageable with the corresponding slotsassociated with said frame member, said retention member being slidablymovable within said slots in a substantially linear direction between afirst position wherein said intermediate portion restricts movement ofthe weapon out of the holster pocket and a second position wherein saidintermediate portion does not restrict movement of the weapon out of theholster pocket; a release member for releasably holding the retentionmember in its first position, said release member being movable betweena first position wherein said release member holds said retention memberin its first position and restricts movement of said retention member toits second position and a second position wherein said release memberreleases said retention member and allows said retention member to bemoved to its second position; and biasing means biasing said releasemember towards its first position.
 32. The weapon retention mechanism ofclaim 31 wherein said release member includes a pawl and said retentionmember includes a notch, said pawl being engageable with said notch whensaid retention member is in its first position, the engagement of saidpawl with said notch holding said retention member in its firstposition.
 33. A weapon retention mechanism for releasably holding aweapon in a holster pocket comprising: a frame member forming at least aportion of the holster pocket, said frame member having an upper portionwith opposed side portions, each opposed side portion having asubstantially linear groove associated therewith; a retention memberhaving opposed side portions and an intermediate portion extendingtherebetween, each opposed side portion including a projectionpositioned and located for slidably engaging the corresponding grooveassociated with each side portion of said frame member, said retentionmember being movable in a substantially linear direction between a firstposition wherein said intermediate portion restricts movement of theweapon out of the holster pocket and a second position wherein saidintermediate portion is forward of the holster pocket and does notrestrict movement of the weapon out of the holster pocket; a releasemember attachable to said frame member for releasably holding theretention member in its first position, said release member beingpositioned and located so as to be engageable by the thumb of a shooterduring the natural hand movement of the shooter to draw the weapon fromthe holster pocket, said release member being movable between a firstposition wherein said release member holds said retention member in itsfirst position and a second position where said release member releasessaid retention member and allows said retention member to be moved toits second position; and a biasing member engageable with said framemember and said release member for biasing said release member towardsits first position.
 34. The weapon retention mechanism of claim 33wherein said release member includes a projection and said retentionmember includes a notch associated with one side portion thereof, saidprojection being engageable with said notch when said retention memberis in its first position.